COVID-19
Stay Well In Uncertain Times
Caring and support are also contagious. We’re here to help with proven information and tools.
I need help now
Do you need help right away?
Call the crisis line anytime at
1-800-784-2433 or 310-6789.
Find help and support in British Columbia
Weekly calls and homework with your personal coach to combat depression, anxiety, stress and worry. Program funded to expand for COVID-19 and available directly, without a doctor’s referral.
Availability
Today
Interactive, 8 week online course based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy delivered in 90 minute sessions. Work with a group facing similar issues and learn how to respond to life’s challenges.
Availability
Register Today
Community Counselling
Expanded COVID-19 funding to serve more people, through local community-based organizations. Funding will provide free or low-cost counselling by phone or online for people who don’t have access otherwise.
Availability
Today
Mental Health Check-in
Mental health check-in to help you take a look at your mental health and wellness in light of COVID-19. Not for diagnosis, but will provide a snapshot and recommended resources.
Availability
Today
Peer Support
Expanding access to peer support and system navigation for people living with mental illness or substance use problems. Based in community at CMHA branches across BC.
Availability
Coming Soon
Training and education resources to improve psychological health and well being for workers responding to COVID-19. A partnership between SafeCare BC and CMHA
Availability
April 20
Peer Support for Care Workers
Confidential Peer support for long-term care and home support workers. This new COVID-19 response program is accessible by phone or text, and will be staffed by former workers.
Availability
Now
Are you struggling to get through daily activities with your child? Find proven strategies to help you manage your child’s anxiety or behaviour challenges, shared through parent coaching.
Availability
Now
Expanded COVID-19 supports have been made possible by the generous funding of the Province of BC.
Strategies and tools you can use at home
Health information can be confusing or conflicting. What’s recommended one day may be out-of-date the next day. The right information helps you stay safe and gives you a clear plan of action. Every step you take today brings everyone
a little closer to the end of the pandemic.
It may be tempting to try to block out the world altogether to avoid bad news, but it’s important to keep yourself informed. We all have to step up during a pandemic because we all have a part to play in reducing the spread of
the virus. It’s important that you know what must be done and how you should do it. This is important for the health of your neighbours and your own mental health—taking action can help counter difficult feelings like hopelessness
and despair.
You may have a lot of difficult feelings around the pandemic: stress, uncertainty, fear, loss, maybe even hopelessness. Simple strategies to take care of your health and well-being during challenging times can really make a difference
and put you back in control.
Taking care of your physical health is also good for your mental health. It’s more important than ever to keep yourself healthy.
Eat well
Try to eat as well as you can. It may be easier to reach for unhealthier comfort foods and snacks while you spend more time at home, but try to keep a balanced approach. When you stock up on groceries, don’t ignore fresh fruit
and vegetables—we still have everything we need to prepare food.
You may experience overwhelming thoughts or feelings at times. Intense feelings or thoughts around panic or fear are normal, but they can start to come up more often, feel out of control, and really take a toll on your well-being.
Learn how to turn down the volume on difficult or overwhelming thoughts or feelings as they come up.
Many Canadians say that they are more stressed about the financial implications of COVID-19 than the illness itself. We know that income and financial stability play a big role in health and well-being, so we need to make sure
as many people as possible find help and support. In this section, find tips to help you cope if you have lost your job or anticipate losing your job, information for renters who worry about paying rent, and information about
financial and other supports from the Government of Canada, Government of BC, and local organizations.